Anorexia & Eating Disorders: Help for Family & Friends

I am worried that my child or relative has Anorexia

Anorexia & Bulimia Care is a Christian organisation that offers excellent support for relatives and parents. Visit theirwebsite or call their helpline to talk confidentially to an experienced member of staff. This service operates from 9am to 5pm on weekdays. Anorexia and Bulimia Care Parent Helpline: 03000 11 12 13 (Option 1)

GP: Talk to your GP, who should be able to give you advice and access to support.

I think my friend might have Anorexia

If you are a child or a young adult, talk about your concerns to an adult you trust. This might be a parent, teacher or youth worker.

Anorexia & Bulimia Care’s list of helpful dos and don’ts is very helpful and gives advice on how to talk with your friend and how you might help them visit their GP.

How can I support a child or relative who has been diagnosed with Anorexia?

Anorexia & Bulimia Care is a Christian organisation that offers excellent support for relatives and parents. Call their helpline to talk confidentially to an experienced member of staff. This service operates from 9am to 5pm on weekdays. Anorexia & Bulimia Care Parent Helpline: 03000 11 12 13 (Option 1)

Anorexia & Bulimia Care’s list of helpful dos and don’ts offers practical advice for those supporting people with Anorexia. They also offer a range of publications for parents here.

SEED (Support and Empathy for people with Eating Disorders) is a support and self-help group run by people who have first hand experience of eating disorders. For information about their carers’ workshops visit their website or contact them on 01482 718130, email

Feast (Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders) is a US website which includes some useful advice for families including, dietary advice, book reviews, printable leaflets and a forum.

How can I support a friend who has been diagnosed with Anorexia?

Anorexia & Bulimia Care’s list of helpful dos and don’ts offers practical advice for those supporting people with Anorexia.

ToBeHonest is a great blog from Anorexia & Bulimia Care. Take a look at the section ‘How To Help A Friend’.

I am caring for someone with Anorexia, and I am struggling to cope

Anorexia & Bulimia Care offers a Parent Helpline and a befriending scheme, which allows you to talk regularly to another parent who has themselves supported their child through the illness to recovery. For further information, visit thislink. Anorexia & Bulimia Care Parent Helpline 03000 11 12 13 (Option 1)

A member of my youth group or church has Anorexia, how can I support them?

Urban Saints have a web page dedicated to eating disorders. This site has specific advice for youth leaders. See Section 4 - a practical response.